www.stephmastini/forgotten ones /

2008 February Day before Mastectomy  In Japan, they don’t see the cracks or scars as broken pieces. Kintsugi teaches that broken objects are not something to hide but to display with pride.  The unique cracks each tell a story. The breaks become beauty.   They take on a whole new life of their own. I am “kintsugi”.  My art has always reflected my scars.  This has become a whole new awareness for me and my art. I am now in the tenth year of my breast cancer survival.  I was all ready to have final two procedures to finish my breast reconstruction.  At the last hour the night before my surgery, literally the 11th hour I was told that I didn’t have an aide for overnight stay, so anesthesia was out . My plastic surgeon is a real NY curmudgeon,  He was mad at me when I arrived at his office. I walked in and he looked stern.  He said he was not happy about screwing up his surgery schedule.  I tried to explain how it was the Personal Aide Agency that messed my s

I have always been Superwoman At least that was what everyone thought..  I never thought much about my energy level since I had to juggle work, single motherhood, school.  Than my father said one day that if he owned a business he would make me CEO. I was organized, never tired and I just was that type A woman. Than after my last cancer surgery I lost my energy.  I lost my appetite.  I couldn't sleep well. I have been trying to figure out why with my doctors. Fibromyalgia, anemia,. I just thought it is something else. I didn't give up I barely made it through the day..oh it must be depression.  All the diagnoses and pills and still I didn't feel like me. I knew that my energy was gone but also I didn't feel happy and I was always irritable. Finally I walked to my car last Friday and could barely make it out the door. I was pale and my eyes were blurry.  Driving was concerning. I just had to have some answers.  I have been too tired

Back to New York of course. I want to start off by thanking many of the people that have helped me along my journey. I have received loving wishes from all facets of the communities, through this entangled web. My move back to New York has been sprinkled with obstacles and emotional times..frustrations, smiles and memories to be relived and renewed friendships... Now I am here to say that the rewards of the love and caring thoughts sent my way have been inspiring. I needed to get off my pitty pot and start living again... I am here to tell you that it isn't an easy thing when you have left and come back to a different world, but still...my home. I was faced with having to change my life to a degree and hardest of all, accept help. (something I have not been known to excel at in the past). I realize that the most important part of healing is listening to your body. Slow down and listen, it's totally acceptable to say "no,I can't today" and rest. I have also

GOOD KARMA 1. Take into account that great love and great achievements involve great risk. 2. When you lose, don’t lose the lesson. 3. Follow the three R’s:   Respect for self,   Respect for others and   Responsibility for all your actions. 4. Remember that not getting what you want is sometimes a wonderful stroke of luck. 5. Learn the rules so you know how to break them properly. 6. Don’t let a little dispute injure a great relationship. 7. When you realize you’ve made a mistake, take immediate steps to correct it. 8. Spend some time alone every day. 9. Open your arms to change, but don’t let go of your values. 10. Remember that silence is sometimes the best answer. 11. Live a good, honorable life. Then when you get older and think back, you’ll be able to enjoy it a second time. 12. A loving atmosphere in your home is the foundation for your life. 13. In disagreements with loved ones, deal only with the current situation. Don’t bring up the past. 14. Share your kno